Feeling Creative? – It Just Might Boost Your Well-Being!
Most of us value art and creativity, especially if we don’t happen to be particularly artistic we can often appreciate it in others. As a society, we believe these subjects should be taught in school as well as be a big part of our culture and our lives.
Traditionally, in many different cultures, people have used pictures, music, stories, and dancing as part of cultural events as well as many healing rituals
Art can be a form of relaxation and play for both adults and children. Visual and vocal expression are great ways to delve deeper into your feelings and let your imagination run wild. Creative focus can help uncover solutions and even work as an escape from all-encompassing situations for a while.
Creating art also can also have a real effect on our physical health.
Activities that focus on right brain concentration have been shown to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. They also boost the immune system and help reduce pain. Studies in older adults have found that creative pursuits such as theater, singing, and active movement can help with brain function and cognition, including memory and problem-solving.
For those coping with a serious illness, abuse, or other crisis, visual art and creative writing can be powerful ways to release difficult emotions, process grief, build resilience, and sleep more soundly at night.
Numerous studies have looked at the following creative activities and found some health benefits.
Visual Art. The visual arts can include anything from drawing and painting to sculpture, collage, mosaic, textiles, and mixed media. Visual art can be a great way to express feelings that are buried under the surface and can be tough to deal with such as fear and grief. It can also help with stress and insomnia as well. Many hospitals and clinics offer art therapy as a way to help patients with their emotional needs.
Expressive writing. Whether it’s a journal, poem, blog, or biographical novel, writing about your troubles and fears can help your health. In various studies, this type of automatic writing has been found to lower blood pressure and stress while improving immune function, memory, pain, and school or work performance.
Singing and Music. Many of us like to listen to music to relax or get into a groove while working. In studies, music has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, and improve immunity. The studies generally had people listening to recorded music for convenience, but playing music likely has similar effects. Singing, especially in a group setting, can also have a positive profound effect on the heart.
Dance and Movement. Dancing is great exercise, it’s a social activity, and some people find it therapeutic too. Dancing may improve your balance, coordination, range of motion, self-esteem, and confidence. It can even keep your brain sharp. One long-term study of senior citizens indicated that those who danced regularly throughout their lives had a significantly lower risk of dementia. This creative art can also be very social and cooperative. If you’re not an actor there are many other ways to participate — a show needs a director and backstage support and might include live music, singing, or dancing. Visual artists can lend a hand creating sets and costumes. A study of older adults found that theater improved self-esteem, brain functions like memory, and overall well-being.
Creativity can take many shapes and is not limited in scope.
Creativity can be – gardening, cooking, baking, knitting, scrapbooking, arranging flowers, taking photos, you name it! — Creative expression is anything that allows you room to express yourself and makes you feel good.
What will you create?
Let us know!
Need an adjustment? Make an appointment to visit the Fort Myers Chiropractic office of Kaster Chiropractic and Associates! www.kasterchiropractic.com 239-332-2555.